Heating device

ABSTRACT

Generally described, a heating device, or heating tube, includes a combustive fluid inlet, respectively a combustible fluid inlet, is connected to a combustion head via a first pipe, respectively a second pipe, the second pipe being housed at least partially in the first pipe. In this heating device, the combustion head is distant of at least 50 cm from the combustible fluid inlet, which enables to create a “cold zone” between the two. The first and the second pipes enable to bring the combustible fluid and the combustive fluid separately to the combustion head, even if the latter is remote by at least 50 cm from the combustible fluid and combustive fluid inlets.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/176,800, filed Oct. 31, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporatedby reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

A heating tube, or radiant tube, is a heating device. Generallydescribed, a heating tube comprises a combustive fluid inlet, acombustible fluid inlet, a combustion head connected to the combustivefluid inlet and the combustible fluid inlet. It further comprises aheat-emitting tube of which a first part is provided to receive a flameemitted by the combustion head. The combustive fluid and the combustiblefluid are mixed in the combustion head. The resulting mixture is ignitedat the start of the combustion head to generate the flame in the firstpart of the heat-emitting tube. This flame creates heat which isdiffused along the heat-emitting tube, in order to heat a zone.

There are situations wherein the fluid inlets cannot be close to thezone to be heated, as the fluid inlets must be able to be easilyaccessible for an operator.

A first example of such a situation is a heating tube for a sauna. It isnot practical to provide an accessible space adjoining the sauna for thecombustive fluid, combustible fluid, and potentially the casing. Theassembly comprising the fluid inlets, the combustion head, and the firstpart of the heat-emitting tube, is therefore often installed with acertain distance with respect to the sauna. Consequently, the spacebetween this assembly and the sauna is heated, whereas it is situatedoutside of the zone to be heated. This creates a risk of fire andcreates unnecessary energy inefficiency.

A second example of such a situation is a heating tube for industrialequipment, such as a tunnel furnace or a chemical bath. It is not idealthat the fluid inlets are installed in a tunnel furnace or in theproximity of its inlet or outlet because of the heat that emerges fromthe tunnel furnace. Nor is it ideal that the fluid inlets are installedtoo close to dangerous chemical baths. The assembly comprising fluidinlets, the combustion head and the first part of the heat-emitting tubeis therefore generally installed with a certain distance with respect tothe tunnel furnace and to the chemical bath. Consequently, the spacebetween this assembly and the tunnel furnace or the chemical bath isheated, whereas it is situated outside of the zone to be heated. Thiscreates a risk of fire and creates unnecessary energy inefficiency.

A third example of such a situation is a heating tube to decontaminatethe ground through evaporation of pollution. Toxic earth piled on a heapof several meters in height must be able to be heated. An operatorcannot climb up such a heap to access the combustive fluid andcombustible fluid inlets. The combustive fluid and combustible fluidinlets must therefore be installed with a certain distance with respectto the heap of earth. The assembly comprising the fluid inlets, thecombustion head and the first part of the heat-emitting tube istherefore generally installed remote from the place where the heatingtube enters into the heap of earth, whereas it is the place where itwould be ideal to start heating. Consequently, the space between thisassembly and the heap of earth is heated, whereas it is situated outsideof the zone to be heated. This creates a risk of fire and createsunnecessary energy inefficiency.

Document JP 3 722410 B2 describes a heating tube wherein the fluidconnection between the combustible fluid inlet and the combustion headis partially housed in the fluid connection between the combustive fluidinlet and the combustion head. The fluid inlets are by a casing which isfixed to the wall of a furnace, and the combustion head is situated in ahole of said wall. Thus, the heated zone starts just from the other sideof the wall with respect to the casing. Indeed, this is the desiredeffect in this heating tube, as it is preferable that the whole insideof the furnace is heated.

Document DE 3907946 A1 also describes a heating tube wherein the fluidconnection between the combustible fluid inlet and the combustion headis partially housed in the fluid connection between the combustive fluidinlet and the combustion head. The fluid inlets are through a casingwhich is fixed to a wall of a tank and the combustion head is situatedjust downstream of the inlets. Thus, the heated zone starts slightlyupstream of the wall, or at the wall. Indeed, this is the desired effectin the heating tube of this document, as it is preferable that the wholeinside of the tank is heated.

Document FR 2590001 A1 describes a device for generating hot waterwherein the fluid connection between the combustible fluid inlet and thecombustion head is partially housed in the fluid connection between thecombustive fluid inlet and the combustion head. The combustion head issituated just downstream of the fluid inlets in order to obtain acompact device. This device is not a heating tube, as it does notcomprise a heat-emitting tube. Indeed, the flame exiting the combustionhead is created directly in a furnace.

Document US2014/0363775 A1 describes a gas igniter intended to heat thecombustion chamber of a coal furnace during its start-up. In thisdevice, the fluid connection between the combustible fluid inlet and thecombustion head is partially housed in the fluid connection between thecombustive fluid inlet and the combustion head. The combustion head issituated slightly downstream of the fluid inlets, in order to obtain acompact device. This device is not a heating tube, as it does notcomprise a heat-emitting tube. Indeed, the flame exiting the combustionhead is created directly in a furnace.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features ofthe claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid indetermining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

One of the aims of the disclosure is to provide a heating device whereinthe combustion and combustible inlets are highly offset from thecombustion head.

To this end, according to a first aspect, the disclosure proposes aheating device comprising: a combustive fluid inlet; a combustible fluidinlet; a combustion head provided to emit a flame; a first fluidconnection comprising a first pipe and connected fluidically to thecombustive fluid inlet and to the combustion head; a second fluidconnection comprising a second pipe housed at least partially in thefirst pipe and connected fluidically to the combustible fluid inlet andto the combustion head; a heat-emitting tube of which a first part is influid communication with the first fluid connection and is provided toreceive the combustion head and a flame emitted by the combustion head;a fluid outlet connected fluidically to the first part of theheat-emitting tube via a second part of the heat-emitting tube; andmeans for moving fluid, enabling movement of fluid. Such movement offluid being between the combustive fluid inlet and the combustion headvia the first fluid connection, and the first part of the heat-emittingtube and the second part of the heat-emitting tube, wherein thecombustion head and the combustible fluid inlet may be separated by adistance of at least 50 cm in some embodiments, at least 2 m in otherembodiments, and at least 10 m in further embodiments.

In the device according to the disclosure, the distance between thecombustion head and the fluid inlets enables to create a largenon-heated zone formed by offsetting between the fluid inlets and thecombustion head. Thus, only the zone to be heated is actually heated,which decreases the risk of fire and avoids unnecessary energyinefficiency.

This also enables to place the fluid inlets, such that they are easilyaccessible, while keeping a great liberty on the position of the startof the heated zone, which can be in an inaccessible place, for example,up high, inside a space closed by a partition wall, or on a heap oftoxic earth.

Choosing between the minimum 50 cm, minimum 2 m, or minimum 10 mdistances depends on the use of the device according to the disclosure.A distance that is too short is not interesting as the heat of the flamealso expands upstream and there is not really a “non-heated zone” insuch a case.

None of the documents JP 3722410 B2, DE 3907946 A1, FR 2590001 A1, andUS2014/0363775 A1 consider creating a non-heated zone of at least 50 cmdownstream of the fluid inlets. Nothing in these documents indicatesthat it is possible or desirable to broadly offset the heat zone of thefluid inlets. Thus, none of these documents would incite offsetting atleast 50 cm in some embodiments, at least 2 m in other embodiments, andat least 10 m in further embodiments, the zone to be heated of thecombustible fluid inlet. Indeed, introducing such an offsetting in theseknown devices would go against the objectives followed by these devices.Furthermore, these distances are too large to be compatible with thedevices disclosed in the above documents, as such an offsetting woulddamage the robustness and/or the capacity of the heating devicesdescribed.

In the device according to the disclosure, the first and the secondpipes enable separately leading the combustible fluid and the combustivefluid to the combustion head, even if this is remote from thecombustible fluid and combustive fluid inlets. This therefore enables toseparate the combustion and combustible fluid inlets, which must beeasily accessible from the combustion head, which is the starting pointof the flame.

The fact that the second pipe is housed, at least partially, in thefirst pipe, enables the combustion head to be supplied centrally by thecombustible fluid and peripherally by the combustive fluid. Furthermore,this enables the combustive fluid to flow around the combustion head inthe heat-emitting tube from the first fluid connection.

In some embodiments, the fluids are gases and the combustive fluid isair. The combustible fluid can, for example, be natural gas which is agaseous mixture of hydrocarbons, propane, butane or LPG (liquifiedpetroleum gas).

In some embodiments, the fluid communications are sealed. In someembodiments, the first and second pipes have sealed walls.

The heat-emitting tube is a heat-emitting tube through radiation,convection and/or conduction. Heat emission by radiation particularlyoccurs when the heat-emitting tube is surrounded by an environment thatis at least partially transparent to infrared radiation, for example,air. Heat emission by convection particularly occurs when theheat-emitting tube is in contact with a fluid environment. Heat emissionby conduction particularly occurs when the emitting tube is in contactwith a conduction heat conducting environment.

The means for moving fluid enable to create an overall fluid movement ofan upstream direction towards a downstream direction, in other words,from the combustive fluid inlet towards the fluid outlet. The means formoving fluid can comprise a ventilator. The means for moving fluid canbe situated in the proximity of the combustive fluid inlet, so as topush the combustive fluid, and/or in the proximity of the fluid outlet,so as to draw the fluid.

The heat-emitting tube is, for example, arranged essentiallyhorizontally to enable distribution of heat. The heat-emitting tube canalso be arranged vertically. The heat-emitting tube can also be arrangedto form an angle of between 0° and 90° with respect to the vertical.

The heating device according to the disclosure can be called “heatingtube” and in particular, “heating tube with remote flame”. It can alsobe called “radiant tube”.

The combustion head, the first fluid connection, the second fluidconnection, the combustive fluid inlet and the combustible fluid inletcan be comprised in a device called “burner”.

In the scope of the present document, the “non-heated zone” can also becalled “cold zone”.

In the scope of the present document, two “fluid communication orconnection” elements can be in direct fluid communication or connection,in other words, that they are directly in contact with one another, orin indirect fluid communication or connection, in other words, thatthere are intermediate elements between them.

In some embodiments, the combustion head and the combustible fluid inletare separated by a distance of less than 50 m.

In some embodiments, the heating device comprises a casing, the firstfluid connection comprises, between the combustive fluid inlet and thefirst pipe, a first connection part included in the casing and thesecond fluid connection comprises, between the combustible fluid inletand the second pipe, a second connection part included in the casing.Preferably, the combustion head is preferably neither totally norpartially included in the casing. In other words, in some embodiments,the combustion head is situated outside of the casing.

Having the combustion head completely outside of the casing enablescreation of a large offsetting between the fluid inlets and the start ofthe flame. This also enables to place the casing such that it is easilyaccessible and/or that it is installed stably, while really freeing upthe position of the start of the heated zone, which can be in aninaccessible place, for example, up high.

The case is not typically provided to support temperatures beyond 60° C.The offsetting of the flame enables to avoid damaging it. The casing cancomprise electronic components. The casing can comprise a pressureswitch. The casing can comprise a solenoid valve. The casing cancomprise elements enabling to connect the combustive fluid inlet and thecombustible fluid inlet onto supply lines. The casing can comprise themeans for moving fluid. The two ignition cables connected from one sideto the ignition electrode can be connected, from another side, to adevice for actuating the remote ignition means present in the casing.The verification cable connected from one side to the ionizationelectrode can be connected, from another side, to an outlet device ofthe remote flame verification means present in the casing, for example,an indicator light. The ignition and verification cables are preferablycoated with a dielectric and/or a thermal insulator provided to resisthigh temperatures.

In some embodiments, the heating device further comprises a remoteignition means, enabling to remotely ignite a flame at the combustionhead.

In the scope of the present document, “remote/remotely” can, forexample, mean from the combustible fluid inlet, from a casing includingcombustion and combustible fluid inlets, and/or from a casing includingthe upstream ends of the first and second pipes. The remote ignitionmeans enables an operator, for example, in the proximity of thecombustion and combustible fluid inlets, to ignite the flame at thecombustion head, even when the combustion head is remote.

In some embodiments, the remote ignition means comprises an ignitionelectrode and an ignition cable housed at least partially in the firstpipe and connected to the ignition electrode.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the remote ignition means comprisestwo ignition cables connected to the ignition electrode and housed atleast partially in the space between the inner surface of the first pipeand the outer surface of the second pipe.

In some embodiments, the heating device further comprises a remote flameverification means enables to remotely verify the presence of the flameemitted by the combustion head.

The remote flame verification means enables an operator, for example, inthe proximity of the combustion and combustible fluid inlets to verifythe existence of a flame at the combustion head.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the remote flame verification meanscomprises an ionization electrode and a verification cable connected tothe ionization electrode and housed at least partially in the firstpipe.

For example, in an embodiment of the disclosure, the remote flameverification means comprises one single verification cable connected tothe ionization electrode and housed at least partially in the spacebetween the inner surface of the first pipe and the outer surface of thesecond pipe.

In some embodiments, the combustion head is mechanically coupled to thefirst part of the heat-emitting tube.

The mechanical coupling can enable to keep the combustion head at acertain distance from an inner surface of the first part of theheat-emitting tube.

It can, for example, be achieved through rigid radial rods, for examplethree radial rods, spaced by 120°. This enables to keep the flameemitted by the combustion head in the proximity of a central axis of theheat-emitting tube and in the direction of this axis, which isparticularly useful if the second pipe is at least partially flexible.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the combustion head is mechanicallycoupled to the first part of the heat-emitting tube by the couplingelements fixed to the combustion head and arranged to be able to slidealong an inner surface of the second pipe and/or an inner surface of theheat-emitting tube.

These coupling elements sliding along the inner surface of the secondpipe and/or of the heat-emitting tube enable an easier installation ofthe combustion head.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the heat-emitting tube comprises asection provided to be disassembled. The disassembly can make theinstallation and maintenance of the heating device easier.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first pipe comprises a sectionprovided to be disassembled. This diassembly can make the installationand maintenance of the heating device easier.

In some embodiments, the second pipe is provided to support atemperature of at least 300° C.

The flame exiting the combustion head can have a temperature of around1100° C. The second pipe is therefore provided to support without damagehigh temperatures, preferably at least 300° C., more preferably 600° C.Likewise, the first pipe, the heat-emitting tube and the combustion headare provided to support a temperature of at least 300° C., morepreferably 600° C.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second pipe comprises a metal.In some embodiments, the second pipe comprises stainless steel. Thiscan, for example, be made of 316Ti steel.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first pipe is rigid. It is alsopossible, while remaining in the scope of the disclosure, that the firstpipe comprises at least one flexible part.

In the scope of the present document, a pipe is “rigid” if it cannot befolded without risk of being damaged and in particular, without risk ofloss of sealing at the level of its walls.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second pipe is at leastpartially flexible.

In the scope of the present document, a pipe is “at least partiallyflexible”, if it can be folded while keeping a fluid connection functionand without risk of being damaged, in particular without risk of loss ofsealing at the level of its walls. For example, a pipe having an outerdiameter and which could be folded until reaching a bend radius equal toat least ten times its outer diameter while keeping a fluid connectionfunction and without risk of being damaged is considered as “at leastpartially flexible”.

A pipe at least partially flexible can also be qualified as“semi-flexible”.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first pipe presents an angle andthe second pipe is curved.

The first pipe can, for example, comprise a bent joining part and thanksto its flexibility, the second pipe is capable of mainly following theshape of the first pipe. Furthermore, the first pipe can comprise afirst angle in a first direction of rotation following the movement ofthe fluids and a second angle in a second direction of rotationfollowing the movement of the fluids. This enables to create anoffsetting, perpendicular to the overall direction of flow of thefluids.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second pipe is more flexiblethan the first pipe.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the heat-emitting tube and the firstpipe form part of a same piece. It is also possible, while remaining inthe scope of the disclosure, that they are different pieces.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the heat-emitting tube and the firstpipe form part of a part which could be called “extended heat-emittingtube”. The first pipe can thus be considered as the part of this partwhich goes up to the upstream end of the combustion head. It is alsopossible that the heat-emitting tube and the first pipe are in thedirection extension of one another.

Furthermore, the disclosure proposes a heating equipment todecontaminate earth, comprising the heating device according to thedisclosure.

In addition, the disclosure proposes a heating equipment for industrialinstallation such as a furnace, a tunnel furnace or a chemical bath andcomprising the heating device according to the disclosure.

Additionally, the disclosure proposes a heating equipment for a saunacomprising the heating device according to the disclosure.

According to a second aspect, the disclosure proposes a heating methodcomprising the steps of: providing a heating device according to thedisclosure; arranging the heating device such that the heat-emittingtube is at least partially in a zone to be heated; connectingfluidically the combustive fluid inlet to a combustive fluid supply;connecting fluidically the combustible fluid inlet to a combustiblefluid supply; starting the means for moving fluid; and starting theflame at the combustion head.

Thus, the zone to be heated is separated by a distance of at least 50 cmin some embodiments, at least 2 m in other embodiments, and at least 10m from the combustible fluid inlet in further embodiments. In the scopeof the present disclosure, a “zone to be heated” is a zone such that itis desired, that the elements present in this zone, in particular, solidor liquid elements, are heated by the heating device.

The advantages mentioned for the devices disclosed herein, are similarlyapplied to the methods.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of thepresent disclosure will become more readily appreciated as the samebecome better understood by reference to the following detaileddescription, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates one representative embodiment of a heating device inaccordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 2 illustrates one representative embodiment of three heatingdevices in accordance with one or more aspects of the presentdisclosure, the three heating devices arranged to decontaminate a heapof earth.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings, where like numerals reference like elements, are intended as adescription of various embodiments of the present disclosure and are notintended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described inthis disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration andshould not be construed as precluding other embodiments. Theillustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustiveor to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed.

In the following description, specific details are set forth to providea thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, thatthe embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without embodying allof the specific details. In some instances, well-known process stepshave not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscurevarious aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will beappreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ anycombination of features described herein.

The present application may include references to directions, such as“forward,” “rearward,” “front,” “rear,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,”“bottom,” “right hand,” “left hand,” “lateral,” “medial,” “in,” “out,”“extended,” etc. These references, and other similar references in thepresent application, are only to assist in helping describe and tounderstand the particular embodiment and are not intended to limit thepresent disclosure to these directions or locations.

The present application may also reference quantities and numbers.Unless specifically stated, such quantities and numbers are not to beconsidered restrictive, but exemplary of the possible quantities ornumbers associated with the present application. Also in this regard,the present application may use the term “plurality” to reference aquantity or number. The terms “about,” “approximately,” “near,” etc.,mean plus or minus 5% of the stated value. For the purposes of thepresent disclosure, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C,” forexample, means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B,and C), including all further possible permutations when greater thanthree elements are listed.

In the context of the present document, the terms “first” and “second”are only used to differentiate the different elements and do not involveorder between these elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a heating device 1 according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. The heating device 1 comprises a combustion head 30provided to emit a flame in the proximity of its downstream end 34. Insome embodiments, the combustion head 30 comprises, in the proximity ofits upstream end, a central combustible fluid inlet and peripheralcombustive fluid inlets 31. In some embodiments, the combustion head 30comprises an injector, calibrated to lead the combustible fluid at acertain pressure. A mixture between the combustion and combustiblefluids is made in the combustion head 30. In some embodiments, thecombustion head 30 also comprises a Venturi tube and a flame holder. Insome embodiments, the combustion head 30 also comprises an ionizationelectrode 32. In some embodiments, the combustion head 30 also comprisesan ignition electrode 33. Contrary to the illustration in FIG. 1, insome embodiments, the combustion head 30 can have a mainly cylindricalshape.

The heating device 1 further comprises a combustive fluid inlet 11 and afirst fluid connection, connecting fluidically the combustive fluidinlet 11 and the combustion head 30. The first fluid connectioncomprises a first pipe 13. The first fluid connection and the first pipe13 are therefore intended to receive the combustive fluid. In someembodiments, the combustive fluid is air. The first pipe 13 ispreferably rigid. The first pipe 13 can comprise several parts, inparticular, straight-lined parts and at least one part enabling it tohave at least one curved part. The first pipe 13 can, for example,comprise an angle, several angles, a bend, several bends, etc.

The first pipe 13 can comprise one or more section(s) provided to beeasily removed or disassembled. Such a section can, for example, befixed by flanges or straps to the remainder of the first pipe 13. Thiscan be useful to access the inside of the first pipe 13 during theinstallation or for maintenance.

The first fluid connection can comprise one or more section(s) providedto be easily removed or disassembled.

The heating device 1 further comprises a combustible fluid inlet 21 anda second fluid connection connecting fluidically the combustible fluidinlet 21 and the combustion head 30. In some embodiments, the secondfluid connection comprises a second pipe 23, which is at least partiallyhoused in the first pipe 13. The first 13 and the second 23 pipes can becoaxial. The second fluid connection and the second pipe 23 aretherefore intended to receive the combustible fluid. The combustiblefluid can, for example, be natural gas, a gaseous mixture ofhydrocarbons, propane, butane or LPG.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second pipe 23 is at leastpartially flexible. The second pipe 23 can thus be present in the firstpipe 13, even if the first pipe 13 comprises an angle, several angles, abend, several bends, etc. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the secondpipe 23 has at least one rigid part and at least one flexible part. Inan embodiment of the disclosure, the second pipe 23 is more flexiblethan the first pipe 13.

Whether it is flexible or rigid, in some embodiments, the second pipe 23is capable of supporting a temperature of at least 300° C. Whether it isflexible or rigid, the second pipe 23 comprises a metal. Whether it isflexible or rigid, the second pipe 23 is flameproof. The stainless steelcomprised in the second pipe 23 can for example be 316Ti steel. Thestainless steel comprised in the second pipe 23 can for example comprise16.5 to 18.5% of Cr, 10.5 to 13.5% of Ni, 2.0 to 2.5% of Mo, less than0.7% of Ti and Fe.

If it is at least partially flexible, the second pipe 23 can comprise atleast one rigid section and at least one flexible section.

The heating device 1 further comprises a heat-emitting tube 40. Theheat-emitting tube 40 has a first part 41 in fluid communication withthe first fluid connection, for example, to be in direct fluidcommunication with the first pipe 13. This first part 41 is provided toreceive the combustion head 30 and a flame emitted by the combustionhead 30. The heat-emitting tube 40 has a second part 42 connectedfluidically to a fluid outlet 50. The fluid outlet 50 enables release offluids from the heat-emitting tube 40.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the downstream end of the first pipe13 is joined to the downstream end of the heat-emitting tube 40. Thedownstream end of the second pipe 23 is connected with the combustiblefluid inlet of the combustion head 30.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the heat-emitting tube 40 and firstpipe 13 form part of an integral piece which could be called “extendedheat-emitting tube”. The heat-emitting tube 40 is thus the directcontinuation of the first pipe 13. In other words, the first pipe 13 canthus be considered as forming part of the extended heat-emitting tubeand the second pipe 23 as being at least partially housed in theextended heat-emitting tube.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the combustion head 30 ismechanically coupled to the heat-emitting tube 40, for example to aninner surface of its first part 41. This mechanical coupling can beachieved by the coupling elements 35 fixed to the combustion head 35 andsliding over the inner surface of the heat-emitting tube 40. This canbe, for example, three rigid radial rods spaced by 120°. This mechanicalcoupling can enable an approximate centering of the combustion head 30in the heat-emitting tube 40. The slidability of the coupling elements35 over the inner surface of the heat-emitting tube 40 enables an easierinstallation of the combustion head 30 and of these coupling elements 35in the heat-emitting tube 40.

The heat-emitting tube 40 can comprise one or more section(s) providedto be easily removed or disassembled. Such a section can, for example,be fixed by flanges or straps to the remainder of the heat-emitting tube40. This can be useful for accessing the inside of the heat-emittingtube 40 during installation or for maintenance.

Furthermore, the first part 41 of the heat-emitting tube 40 can comprisea refractory material. For example, the inner surface of the first part41 of the heat-emitting tube 40 can be covered with a refractorymaterial in a zone of the first part 41 of the heat-emitting tube 40provided to receive the flame.

The heating device 1 further comprises means for moving fluid 60,enabling to create a movement of fluid between: the combustive fluidinlet 11 and the combustion head 30 via the first fluid connection; andthe first part 41 of the heat-emitting tube 40 and the second part 42 ofthe heat-emitting tube 40.

The movement corresponds to an overall movement of fluid from thecombustive fluid inlet 11 (upstream) towards the fluid outlet 50(downstream). The means for moving fluid 60 can be present near thecombustive fluid inlet 11 and/or near the fluid outlet 50. The means formoving fluid 60 enable to create an overpressure at the combustive fluidinlet 11 with respect to the fluid outlet 50. The means for moving fluid60 enable to avoid a flashback.

A large amount of the combustive fluid passes into the heat-emittingtube 40 around the combustion head 30. The fluid circulating in theheat-emitting tube 40 is heated by the flame emitted by the combustionhead. This heats the heat-emitting tube 40 itself, which thus emits heatby radiation, conduction and/or convection.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the heating device 1 comprises acasing 70. The casing 70 groups together typically several elementswhich must be easily accessible by an operator and cannot be exposed tohigh temperatures. The casing 70 can comprise means for moving fluid 60.The casing 70 can comprise the upstream ends of the first 13 and of thesecond 23 pipes. In some embodiments, the combustion head 30 is neitherpartially nor fully in the casing 70.

The second pipe 23 can be housed in the first pipe 13 in the wholelength of the second pipe 23 between the casing 70 and the combustionhead 30.

In some embodiments, the first fluid connection comprises, between thecombustive fluid inlet 11 and the first pipe 13, a first connection part16. This first connection part 16 can be included in the casing 70, canbe metallic and/or can be bent. This first connection part 16 cancomprise several parts.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a length 17 of the first pipe 13between the first connection part 16 and the combustion head 30 is atleast 50 cm, at least 2 m in other embodiments, and at least 10 m infurther embodiments.

In some embodiments, the second fluid connection comprises, between thecombustible fluid inlet 21 and the second pipe 23, a second connectionpart 26. This second connection part 26 can be included in the casing70, can be metallic and/or can be bent. This second connection part 26can comprise several parts.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a length 27 of the second pipe 23between the second connection part 26 and the combustion head 30 is atleast 50 cm, at least 2 m in other embodiments, and at least 10 m infurther embodiments.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the ignition electrode 33 isconnected to two ignition cables housed at least partially in the firstpipe 13 and outside of the second pipe, and which are themselvesconnected to a device for actuating the remote ignition means present inthe casing 70. The ignition electrode 33, the ignition cables and thedevice for actuating the remote ignition means form part of a remoteignition means enabling to ignite the flame remotely, for example fromthe casing 70.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the ionization electrode 32 isconnected to a verification cable housed at least partially in the firstpipe 13 and outside of the second pipe, and which is itself connected toan outlet device of the remote flame verification means, present in thecasing 70. The ionization electrode 32, the verification cable and theoutlet device of the remote flame verification means form part of aremote flame verification means enabling to verify, remotely, thepresence of the flame, for example, from the casing 70.

Due to the first 13 and second 23 pipes, the combustion head 30 and thecombustible fluid inlet 21 can be separated by a distance of at least 50cm, at least 2 m in other embodiments, and at least 10 m in furtherembodiments. Likewise, due to the first 13 and second 23 pipes, thecombustion head 30 and the combustive fluid inlet 11 can be separated bya distance of at least 50 cm, at least 2 m in other embodiments, and atleast 10 m in further embodiments. Likewise, thanks to the first 13 andsecond 23 pipes, the combustion head 30 and the casing 70 can beseparated by a distance of at least 50 cm, at least 2 m in otherembodiments, and at least 10 m in further embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates three heating devices 1 arranged to decontaminate aheap of earth 100 in an embodiment of the disclosure. For reasons ofclarity, the elements illustrated in FIG. 2 are not to scale and certainelements of the heating devices 1 are not illustrated. Furthermore, theemitting tubes 40 being bent in the heap of earth 100 in the situationillustrated in FIG. 2, the fluid outlets 50 are not represented.

The heap of earth 100 must be decontaminated, in other words, that itmust be heated so as to evaporate pollutants present inside. In someembodiments, the heating devices 1 according to the disclosure areinstalled such that the combustive fluid inlet 11, the combustible fluidinlet 21, the first connection part 16, the second connection part 26,the casing 70 (FIG. 1), the fluid outlet 50 (FIG. 1) and the means formoving fluid 60 (FIG. 1) are outside of the heap of earth 100. Theheating devices 1 according to the disclosure are installed, preferably,such that at least one part of the heat-emitting tube 40 is in the heapof earth 100.

In each heating device 1, in some embodiments, the combustion head 30 isplaced in the proximity of the place where the heating device 1 entersinto the heap of earth 100, such that the flame emitted by thecombustion head 30 is in the heap of earth 100. The combustion head 30can therefore be placed in the heap of earth 100 or outside of it.

The heap of earth 100 can have a height of 6 m, a length of 40 m and adepth of 8 m. Although only three heating devices 1 are illustrated inFIG. 2, such a heap of earth 100 can be decontaminated by sixty heatingdevices 1, of which the emitting tubes 40 are distributed over thelength, the width and the height of the heap of earth 100. The emittingtubes 40 are installed substantially horizontally in the situationillustrated in FIG. 2, but they could be installed substantiallyvertically or along whichever direction with respect to the vertical.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, in the first heating device 1 a,which is installed in the proximity of the ground, the first pipe 13 a,has no bend. However, in the second and third heating devices 1 b, 1 c,the first pipe 13 b, 13 c, has a first bend 14 b, 14 c and a second bend15 b, 15 c. The whole of these two curves 14 b, 15 b or 14 c, 15 cenables the second and third heating devices 1 b, 1 c to have, fromupstream to downstream, a first horizontal part, a vertical part and asecond horizontal part. The first and second horizontal parts enable ahorizontal movement between the inlets 11 b, 21 b, 11 c, 21 c and thecombustion head 30 b, 30 c. This horizontal offset can, for example, bebetween 0.5 and 10 m, and in some embodiments around 3 m. The verticalpart enables a vertical offset between the inlets 11 b, 21 b, 11 c, 21 cand the combustion head 30 b, 30 c. This vertical offset can, forexample, be between 0.5 and 20 m in some embodiments, and around 1.2 min other embodiments.

In an application of the heating device 1 to decontaminate a heap ofearth 100, all the combustive fluid inlets 11 a, 11 b, 11 c and all thecombustible fluid inlets 21 a, 21 b, 21 c are accessible by a user atthe level of the ground, in other words, at the bottom of the heap ofearth 100. In an application of the disclosure, to decontaminate a heapof earth 100, all the combustive fluid inlets 11 a, 11 b, 11 c and allthe combustible fluid inlets 21 a, 21 b, 21 c are approximatively in onesame horizontal plane.

A heating device 1 according to the disclosure can also be used forheating a sauna, so as to move the combustion head 30, in other words,the starting point of the heating, from the fluid inlets 11, 21 andpotentially the casing 70.

A heating device 1 according to the disclosure can also be used forheating industrial installations, for example, for a furnace, a tunnelfurnace or a chemical bath. In the case of a chemical bath, it isadvantageous relative to the safety that operators have to approach fromthe fluid inlets 11, 21 and potentially the casing 70, but not beapproached from the chemical bath.

In the case of a tunnel furnace, it is particularly interesting that thecombustion head 30 and the heat-emitting tube 40 are in the tunnelfurnace and parallel to the axis of the tunnel furnace to enable aheating of the whole of the tunnel furnace. It is also particularlyinteresting that the fluid inlets 11, 21 and potentially the casing 70are outside of the tunnel furnace and protected by its heat, in order tonot heat up. Using a bend in the first pipe 13 enables to place thefluid inlets 11, 21 and potentially the casing 70, just outside of thetunnel furnace, outside of its axis and protected by its walls, whileplacing the combustion head 30 and the heat-emitting tube 40 in thetunnel furnace and parallel to the axis of the tunnel furnace.

A heating device 1 according to the disclosure can also be used in asituation where the zone to be heated has risks for the fluid inlets 11,21 and potentially the casing 70. This can be the case of a hall wherethe atmosphere is corrosive. It is thus interesting to place the fluidinlets 11, 21 and potentially the casing 70, outside of the hall and thecombustion head 30 at the hall entrance.

In other words, the disclosure relates to a heating device 1, or heatingtube, wherein a combustive fluid inlet 11, respectively the combustiblefluid inlet 21, is connected to a combustion head 30 via a first pipe13, respectively a second pipe 23, the second pipe 23 being housed atleast partially in the first pipe 13. In this heating device 1, thecombustion head 30 is remote by at least 50 cm from the combustiblefluid inlet 21, which enables to create a “cold zone” between the two.The first 13 and the second 23 pipes enable to lead the combustiblefluid and the combustive fluid separately to the combustion head 30,even if it is remote from the combustible fluid 21 and the combustivefluid 11 inlets.

The present disclosure has been described with respect to specificembodiments, which have a purely illustrative value, and must not beconsidered as limiting. Generally, the present disclosure is not limitedto the examples illustrated and/or defined above. The use of the verbs“comprise”, “include”, “involve”, or any other variant, as well as theirconjugations, cannot in any way exclude the presence of elements otherthan those mentioned. The use of the indefinite article “a”, “an”, orthe definite article “the”, to introduce an element, does not excludethe presence of a plurality of these elements. The reference numbers inthe claims does not limit their scope.

The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation ofthe present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description.However, aspects of the present disclosure, which are intended to beprotected, are not to be construed as limited to the particularembodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are tobe regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will beappreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, andequivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the presentdisclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all suchvariations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope ofthe present disclosure as claimed.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A heating device,comprising: a combustive fluid inlet; a combustible fluid inlet; acombustion head configured to emit a flame; a first fluid connectioncomprising a first pipe and connected fluidically to the combustivefluid inlet and to the combustion head; a second fluid connectioncomprising a second pipe connected fluidically to the combustible fluidinlet and to the combustion head, at least a section of the second pipebeing housed in the first pipe, said section being flexible; aheat-emitting tube having a first part in fluid communication with thefirst fluid connection and configured to receive the combustion head anda flame emitted by the combustion head; a fluid outlet connectedfluidically to the first part of the heat-emitting tube via a secondpart of the heat-emitting tube; and means for moving fluid configured tocreate a movement of fluid between: the combustive fluid inlet and thecombustion head via the first fluid connection; and the first part ofthe heat-emitting tube and the second part of the heat-emitting tube,wherein the combustion head and the combustible fluid inlet areseparated by a distance of at least 50 cm, and wherein that thecombustion head and the combustive fluid inlet are separated by adistance of at least 50 cm, in such a way that the distance between thecombustion head and the fluid inlets creates a non-heated zone.
 2. Theheating device of claim 1, wherein the combustion head comprisesperipheral combustive fluid openings, a Venturi tube, an ionizationelectrode and an ignition electrode, the peripheral combustive fluidopenings being located between the second pipe and the Venturi tube. 3.The heating device of claim 1, wherein the combustion head and thecombustible fluid inlet are separated by a distance of at least 2 m. 4.The heating device of claim 1, wherein the combustion head and thecombustive fluid inlet are separated by a distance of at least 2 m. 5.The heating device of claim 1, wherein the combustion head ismechanically coupled to the first part of the heat-emitting tube bycoupling elements fixed to the combustion head and slidably arrangedalong one or more of an inner surface of the second pipe and an innersurface of the heat-emitting tube.
 6. The heating device of claim 1,wherein the heat-emitting tube comprises a section configured fordisassembly, said section configured for disassembly being fixed byflanges or straps to the remainder of the heat-emitting tube.
 7. Theheating device of claim 1, wherein the second pipe is configured tosupport a temperature of at least 300° C.
 8. The heating device of claim1, wherein the second pipe comprises a stainless steel.
 9. The heatingdevice of claim 1, wherein the second pipe is made of 316Ti steel. 10.The heating device of claim 1, wherein the first pipe is rigid.
 11. Theheating device of claim 10, wherein the first pipe has an angle, andwherein the second pipe is in a flexible material and is bent inside theangle of the first pipe.
 12. An earth decontamination installationcomprising a mass of earth and a heating device, the heating devicecomprising: a combustive fluid inlet; a combustible fluid inlet; acombustion head configured to emit a flame; a first fluid connectioncomprising a first pipe and connected fluidically to the combustivefluid inlet and to the combustion head; a second fluid connectioncomprising a second pipe connected fluidically to the combustible fluidinlet and to the combustion head, at least a section of the second pipebeing housed in the first pipe, said section being flexible; aheat-emitting tube having a first part in fluid communication with thefirst fluid connection and configured to receive the combustion head anda flame emitted by the combustion head; a fluid outlet connectedfluidically to the first part of the heat-emitting tube via a secondpart of the heat-emitting tube; and means for moving fluid configured tocreate a movement of fluid between: the combustive fluid inlet and thecombustion head via the first fluid connection; and the first part ofthe heat-emitting tube and the second part of the heat-emitting tube,wherein the combustive fluid inlet, the combustible fluid inlet and thefluid outlet are located outside the mass of earth, and at least part ofthe heat-emitting tube is located within the mass of earth, wherein thecombustion head and the combustible fluid inlet are separated by adistance of at least 50 cm, and wherein that the combustion head and thecombustive fluid inlet are separated by a distance of at least 50 cm.13. The earth decontamination installation of claim 12, wherein theheat-emitting tube is bent inside the mass of earth.
 14. The earthdecontamination installation of claim 12, wherein a vertical offsetseparates the heat-emitting tube and the combustive fluid inlet, saidvertical offset being accommodated by an angle in the first pipe and abent in the second pipe.
 15. The earth decontamination installation ofclaim 14, wherein the vertical offset is at least 0.5 meters.
 16. Theearth decontamination installation of claim 12, wherein at least part ofthe combustion head is located within the mass of earth.
 17. The earthdecontamination installation of claim 12, wherein the first pipe has twobends, and wherein the second pipe is in a flexible material and is bentwithin the bends of the first pipe.
 18. An earth decontaminationinstallation comprising a mass of earth and a plurality of heatingdevices, each of the heating devices comprising: a combustive fluidinlet; a combustible fluid inlet; a combustion head configured to emit aflame; a first fluid connection comprising a first pipe and connectedfluidically to the combustive fluid inlet and to the combustion head; asecond fluid connection comprising a second pipe connected fluidicallyto the combustible fluid inlet and to the combustion head, at least asection of the second pipe being housed in the first pipe, said sectionbeing flexible; a heat-emitting tube having a first part in fluidcommunication with the first fluid connection and configured to receivethe combustion head and a flame emitted by the combustion head; a fluidoutlet connected fluidically to the first part of the heat-emitting tubevia a second part of the heat-emitting tube; and means for moving fluidconfigured to create a movement of fluid between: the combustive fluidinlet and the combustion head via the first fluid connection; and thefirst part of the heat-emitting tube and the second part of theheat-emitting tube, wherein, for each of the heating devices, thecombustive fluid inlet, the combustible fluid inlet and the fluid outletare located outside the mass of earth, and at least part of theheat-emitting tube is located within the mass of earth, wherein, foreach of the heating devices, the combustion head and the combustiblefluid inlet are separated by a distance of at least 50 cm, and whereinthat the combustion head and the combustive fluid inlet are separated bya distance of at least 50 cm.
 19. The earth decontamination installationof claim 18, wherein the heat-emitting tubes of the various heatingdevices are at different height, and the combustible fluid inlets of thevarious heating devices are at the same height.
 20. The earthdecontamination installation of claim 18, wherein the plurality ofheating devices comprises at least three heating devices of which theemitting tubes are distributed over the length, the width and/or theheight of the mass of earth.